Streaming services are driving viewers back to piracy (theguardian.com)

Article summary

The rise of streaming services has led to increased costs and decreased availability of content, driving some viewers back to piracy. In Sweden, 25% of people reported pirating in 2024, with many citing the high cost of subscriptions and the difficulty of finding desired content. The article suggests that the streaming industry's focus on profit over user experience has contributed to this trend. As a result, some viewers are seeking alternative methods to access the content they want, including piracy and unofficial streaming platforms.

Main themes

• Streaming services
• Piracy
• Content availability
• Cost and pricing
• User experience
• Fragmentation of services
• Quality of content
• Alternative models

What commenters say

• The current state of streaming services, with their high costs and limited content, is driving people back to piracy.
• Paying for streaming services that include ads is not a worthwhile investment.
• The fragmentation of streaming services is leading to a situation similar to cable TV, where users are forced to pay for channels they do not want.
• A pay-per-minute system could be a viable alternative to monthly subscriptions and might reduce piracy.
• The quality of content on streaming services, particularly Netflix, is often low and prioritizes diversity and data-driven decisions over artistic merit.
• Bundling streaming services together may not be an effective solution, as it can lead to users being forced to pay for content they do not want.
• The main problem with cable TV was not the cost, but the lack of flexibility and the requirement to pay for unwanted channels.
• Some people believe that the current streaming model is unsustainable and that a new approach is needed to provide users with the content they want at a reasonable price.